Here is the February edition of The Poetry Shelf, our suggested poetry assortment, compiled by Michelle Halket of Central Avenue Publishing.
As always, there are some new titles on the bestseller list, including:
- Swirl & Vortex by Larry Lewis
- In the Middle of a Better World by Grant Chemidlin
- Tales and Ink by Loan Wendling and Save Me an Orange by Hayley Grace (well she's been on there a while now!) but this is a reminder not to count out poets who self publish because they sell a ton!
In recognition of the Women's History Month, I'm suggesting featuring a group of books that I think naturally fit together: women, poetry, and the equinox. As the seasons shift, it feels like a good time to highlight women's voices and the role poetry plays in marking change and transition. The equinox offers a sense of balance and renewal, and it also leads us neatly into April's Poetry Month.
Start by pulling out some women poets from your Classics or Experienced reader section like Emily Dickinson, Mary Oliver, Anne Carson, or Audre Lorde. Add in some nature or renewal themed books by poets like Morgan Harper Nichols, Lucille Clifton, or Maya Angelou. And finish off by featuring the young women poets of today who are broaching difficult topics and are popular on socials, like Amanda Lovelace, Nikita Gill, Trista Mateer, or Josie Balka.
As always, these are all just suggestions meant to spark ideas of your own. After all, you know as well as I do that this business is part art and part numbers. Have fun getting ready for spring!
(Want to discuss with Michelle directly? She'll be at Winter Institute at the Meet the Presses, and you can also book a time to discuss your own poetry section at Publishers by Appointment.)